Adapter, Converter, Transformer: What Is The Difference And What Do I Need?

The topic about adapter, converter, and transformer is a confusing one. And it took me quite some time to figure it out. How do you know what you will need on your travel? Here is the lowdown.

WHAT IS THE VOLTAGE AT THE DESTINATION AND OF THE DEVICES I WILL USE?

Most parts of North America and Asia use 110 Volt/ 60 Hz.  The rest of the world, especially Europe, use 220 Volt/ 50 Hz.

Voltage converter and voltage transformer serve the same purpose, they change the voltage of the electrical power source. In countries with 220V, it reduces the power supply, so 110V devices could be used. In countries with 110V, it increases the power supply, so 220V devices become compatible. 

Voltage converter is smaller in size. It's for 2-pin devices such as charger, hair dryer, curling iron, steamer, and coffer maker. It's not designed for continuous use. Use it for short period of time only, 45-60 min.

This is a converter.

Voltage transformer, on the other hand, is bigger and heavier in size. It's for 3-pin devices, thus it's more heavy duty. It's designed to be use for longer period of time. However, transformer is not recommended for heating devices. 

For travel purposes, usually a voltage converter should suffice. Better yet, nowadays many converters on the market function both as a converter and a transformer!

If the device is single voltage, INPUT AC120Vac 60Hz 200W, it will require a voltage converter or transformer if you are traveling to a 220V country. Devices with small voltage range 100-120V is considered single voltage. There is no considerable different between 100V and 120V, or 220V and 240V.

If the device is dual voltage, INPUT AC120/240Vac 50-60Hz 1300W, it could be used in places of 110V and 220V. Therefore, it doesn't need a converter or transformer. It might only need an adapter, so its plug will fit into the power socket. This is why I like to buy my travel size devices in dual voltage. So I don't need to worry about voltage compatibility. Most laptops and chargers are dual voltage. 

This is a dual voltage water kettle. I can switch the voltage between 100V and 220V, depending on the voltage of the power source.

WHAT IS THE PLUG SHAPE AT THE DESTINATION?

An adaptor is a connector that changes the shape of plug, so it can fit into electrical sockets/outlets of different shapes. It does not change the voltage of the electrical power source. 

These are all adapters. The left is a "multi adapters into one". The right are individual adapters.

Here is a link that has a table of countries and their voltage and plug shape. It's super helpful because it has pictures!

After I have the voltage and plug figure out, sometimes I will need:

Single voltage device + adapter 

Dual voltage device + adapter

Single voltage device (110V hair dryer) + converter (to use it in 220V country) + adapter (so the plug will fit into the socket)